Which device can help relieve pressure in at-risk patients?

• A. Air mattress
• B. Standard hospital mattress
• C. Heating pad
• D. Foam pillow

Answer: (A)

Relieving pressure on vulnerable skin relies on distributing body weight to prevent prolonged compression that can cut off blood flow. An air mattress achieves this by continuously redistributing pressure across the bed surface, and it can be adjusted to shift pressure away from high-risk spots like the sacrum, heels, and hips. This helps maintain blood flow to tissues and reduces the chance of pressure injuries in immobile or high-risk patients.

A standard hospital mattress doesn’t provide ongoing pressure redistribution, so high-pressure areas can remain under load. A heating pad applies warmth rather than relieving pressure and can pose burn risks to compromised skin. A foam pillow supports the head or limbs but does not address overall bed-surface pressure for the body.

So, an air mattress is the most effective device to relieve pressure in at-risk patients and help prevent ulcers.